This article originally appeared in Southwest Health & Wellness Magazine – August 2019 On April 4, 2019, Caroline Lackey celebrated her 90th birthday with a cardiac checkup. Forty-five days earlier, the motorcycling great-grandmother had received a heart implant to help prevent a stroke and eliminate her need for blood-thinners. After taking the medication for a dozen years, the redheaded spitfire suffered from anemia and severe bruising. “I would wake up in the morning and look like I had been beat... ... Read More

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, FL (May 27, 2020) — Beginning in June, Bayfront Health Port Charlotte will resume childbirth education classes, but in new fashion. Now mothers and families can prepare for the birth of a child--from anywhere--through real-times classes using the Google Meet platform. And, all classes are free. “We are excited to offer classes online,” says Vicki Vertich, BA, IBCLC, RLC, ICCE, Women & Newborn Service Line Coordinator and Instructor at Bayfront. “Now with this virtual offering, moms... ... Read More

Physicians associated with Venice Regional Bayfront Health are urging the local community to seek emergency medical care when needed – without delay. If you experience a medical emergency such as chest pain that may be a heart attack or stroke symptoms, getting timely care will support the best possible outcome. As the hospital responds to COVID-19 it is taking extra precautions, going above and beyond all normal efforts, to keep the hospital and clinics clean and safe for patients and caregivers. The l... ... Read More

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, FL (May 21, 2020) — Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Bayfront Health Punta Gorda are urging our local community to seek emergency care when needed – without delay. If you experience a medical emergency such as chest pain that may be a heart attack or stroke symptoms, a timely response will support the best possible outcome. Both hospitals have implemented precautions to protect patients and staff, including screening all patients for symptoms and risk factors, and placing any individ... ... Read More

By Karen Fordham National Hospital Week has even deeper meaning this year as Venice Regional Bayfront Health and Gulf Coast Medical Group celebrate our health care heroes who provide safe, high-quality care for patients. Whether caring directly for patients, communicating with patients’ loved ones, procuring necessary supplies, or keeping our facilities clean, all of our team members are performing heroic services for the people in our care and for each other. That is worth celebrating! Venice Regional ... ... Read More

During National Volunteer Week (April 19-25) we shine a spotlight on the incredible Hospital Volunteers of Venice (HVV), which is in its 70th year of supporting Venice Regional’s mission while providing philanthropic services to better our community. With more than 475 members, HVV is the longest-serving and largest healthcare-related volunteer organization in South Sarasota County. In normal times, our volunteers serve in more than 25 departments, serving seven days a week in almost every nook and cran... ... Read More

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, FL (April 16, 2020) – Bayfront Health Medical Group has made it possible to see their doctors using a smartphone, tablet or computer. Telehealth or virtual visits allow you to talk with a provider just as you would in the doctor’s office, but without leaving the comfort of home. Appointments are available for new and existing patients. “Continuity of care is important to us, as is the safety of patients and staff during this time when social distancing and staying at home are critical,... ... Read More

Venice, FL – While many health care services have been suspended during the coronavirus outbreak, wound care continues to be an essential service provided by the Venice Regional Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, which recently earned a national award for continued excellence in wound healing. The Robert A. Warriner III, M.D., Clinical Excellence Award recognizes the Venice Regional wound care center as scoring in the top 10 percent of eligible Healogics® Wound Care Centers® on a national me... ... Read More